The mesmerizing title track of this 1965 release is one of the song interpretations most identified with this unique artist. Also on the album were signature versions of Jacques Brel's "Ne me quitte pas," Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley's "Feeling Good," and several songs by Charles Aznavour.

"Most of the songs feature dramatic, swinging large-band orchestration, with the accent on the brass and strings…. Really fine tunes and interpretations, on which Simone gives an edge to the potentially fey pop songs, taking a sudden (but not uncharacteristic) break for a straight jazz instrumental with 'Blues on Purpose.' The title track, a jazzy string ballad version of the Screamin' Jay Hawkins classic, gave the Beatles the inspiration for the phrasing on the bridge of 'Michelle'."—All Music Guide